Team handled pressure well, says Jayawardene

Colombo, Jun 20: Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene has said the team handled pressure very well after their first series triumph against Pakistan in 15 months after winning the series 3-1 on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka wrapped up the five match One-day international series 3-1 as the third ODI was abandoned due to rain.

Having lost 6 wickets for 138, Lanka needed 110 runs off 94 deliveries, as Pakistan was confident of winning the match. Thanks to Angelo Mathews' knock as Sri Lanka notched up another victory to lead Sri Lanka to a 3-1 series win.

Jayawardene said he was aware of such a situation and credited the win to his team mates as they handled the pressure quite well which made a difference to the series.

"We knew we would be put under pressure and I thought throughout the series all the guys showed a lot of composure in handling situations. That probably was the difference in the series," Jayawardene said.

"The way we handled tough situations than Pakistan was better. Our fielding standards were much better as well and I am proud about that."

Pakistan, on the other hand, were sloppy on field as they dropped a couple of catches, missed run-out chances including a few misfields. This further put more pressure on the touring side as they couldn't defend their total of 247/7, after reducing Sri Lanka to 138/6.

"Again there were too many fielding lapses and in my opinion this was the difference. Throughout the series our fielding has hurt us," Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said.

Jayawardene pleased with the team's effort in the bilateral series, after their dismal show in the last 15 months wherein they had lost four straight Test series, four bilateral series losses, failing to qualify for the Asia Cup final, loss to India in the World Cup final, loss to Australia in the tri-series early this year.

"We had a big challenge against a good side. We worked hard in winning this series," Jayawardene said.

"As a captain I am very pleased and we need to move forward from what we have learned. This win means a lot for the team and the country. We have played good cricket and there has been a lot of hard work put in and hopefully we will keep improving and be consistent in all forms of the game."

After a thrilling ODI series, Sri Lanka is all set to host the three Tests against Pakistan, as the first match is scheduled to be played on Friday at Galle.